What really happened behind the scenes of Avicii’s life? The eye-opening documentary “I’m Tim” dives deep into the life of Avicii, revealing shocking truths and igniting controversy.
The name Avicii is known worldwide, especially to fans of electronic dance music. Tim Bergling, the man behind the stage name, changed the music world with hits like ‘Levels‘ and ‘Wake Me Up.’ When he tragically passed away in 2018, the world lost a talented artist who struggled deeply with mental health and the pressures of fame. The new Netflix documentary “I’m Tim” explores his life, career, and personal battles. But its release has stirred up debate, especially about who was included and left out of the story.
What the Documentary Covers
“I’m Tim” dives into Tim’s life, showing his achievements and struggles. It focuses on his childhood, rise to fame, and the challenges he faced with mental health and anxiety. The film includes interviews with family, friends, and colleagues who reflect on Tim’s journey. But some people feel the documentary doesn’t share new information and mostly repeats what we already know from the 2018 documentary “Avicii: True Stories.“
The documentary has received praise for showing the pressures Tim faced in his career. However, some critics say it might have exaggerated or sensationalised certain parts of his life, raising questions about how it portrays his struggles.
Sean Eriksson’s Absence and Criticism
One of the most talked-about aspects of “I’m Tim” is who wasn’t involved. Sean Eriksson, a close friend of Avicii who lived with him and took many of his famous press photos, decided not to participate. Sean released a video explaining why. He said that his decision was mainly because of disagreements with how Tim’s story was told, particularly the role of Tim’s father, Klas Bergling.
Sean claims that Klas Bergling’s statement about starting an intervention for Tim is not true. According to Sean, Klas was more concerned about losing money from cancelled shows and lawsuits than about Tim’s health. This made Sean feel he couldn’t support the documentary’s narrative.
Incomplete and Controversial Narratives
Sean also criticised how the documentary handled Tim’s struggle with addiction. He called out Tim’s friend Jesse Waits for talking about Tim’s dependence on painkillers without explaining the full story. Sean pointed out that Tim’s surgeries and the pain he endured were key reasons for his reliance on medication, and leaving this out made the story feel incomplete.
In a social media post on Tim’s birthday in September, Sean expressed frustration with how Tim’s life has been portrayed. He wrote: “Tim’s story hasn’t been told yet. At least not by anyone close to him. I am really fed up with this weird, fake and controlled narrative that makes Tim the poster boy for mental health instead of honoring his legacy for all his great achievements and the real amazing person that he was.”
Sean’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about how to tell Tim’s story honestly while respecting his memory.
A Sanitised Narrative
The Netflix documentary feels flawed, especially compared to “Avicii: True Stories” and the book Tim – “The Official Biography.” It overlooks key events, like Tim’s rehab stint in Ibiza, and misrepresents his time in Oman, where he stayed with friends after an expedition.
A local guide reached out to Tim’s parents just days before his death, but they couldn’t arrive in time—another crucial detail missing from the film. “Avicii: True Stories” includes disturbing statements from Tim about his struggles, highlighting the lack of support he received.
The Netflix version feels sanitised, particularly in its portrayal of Tim’s former manager, Ash Pournouri. It raises questions about whether the narrative was shaped to protect reputations, making it harder to trust its account of Tim’s journey.
A Lack of Female Voices
It’s noticeable that everyone interviewed in the documentary is male, except for Tim’s mother at the start. This raises questions about the role of women in Tim’s life. Many men in hyper-masculine spaces, like EDM and club culture, often experience loneliness, as they aren’t encouraged to connect with vulnerability.
This, combined with the toxic aspects of EDM culture, drugs, alcohol, mental health struggles, and the pressure to constantly perform as a cash generator, paints a picture of someone who was an artist at heart but overwhelmed by the demands placed on him. It is also worth noting that former partner of Tim, Tereza Kačerová, commented on Sean’s above Instagram post in support.
Remembering Tim’s Legacy
While “I’m Tim” shines a light on Tim’s struggles and raises awareness about mental health, it also brings up important questions about how to honour his legacy. Avicii’s life is a reminder of how difficult fame can be, even for someone as talented and successful as he was. But some fans and friends feel the documentary focuses too much on his struggles and not enough on his incredible contributions to music.
A Bigger Debate
The release of “I’m Tim” has also sparked discussions about the ethics of making documentaries about deceased artists such as Avicii. Who gets to decide how their story is told? How can filmmakers ensure the story is truthful and respectful? And how do we balance showing their struggles with celebrating their achievements?
For many fans, “I’m Tim” is a chance to remember the genius of Avicii and learn from his life. For others, it’s a reminder that there’s more to his story that still hasn’t been shared. One thing is clear: Tim Bergling’s impact on music and culture is enormous, and his story deserves to be told with care, truth, and respect.